This course is a youth work elective taken in second or third year of the program, and as an Honours course is co-delivered with POLI1095, Evidence, Policy ad Practice. Although there are a number of perennial youth issues, both the popular and official recognition of what the current ‘youth
problems’ or ‘issues’ can alter quite quickly, with profound implications for policy and practice decisions, advocacy efforts and change initiatives Because evidence is used to justify policy and practice decisions it has become an increasingly important feature of the policy and practice landscape.

This course will explore the contested nature of evidence, the assumptions driving policy/practice research and its subsequent use, including in youth work contexts. You will examine the production, use and politics of evidence in a range of government and non-government contexts, and develop your capacity and confidence for critical and practical engagement with evidence informed policy and practice.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Upon successful completion of the course you will be able to:

Interpret and critique the evidence associated with a particular policy issue
Effectively use existing data and research findings to advocate for a policy position in a range of genres
Scope and manage the production of policy evidence

You will be assessed on your development of the following program learning outcomes:

Use strategic thinking and planning to develop creative evidence-based solutions for contemporary social problems/policy issues
Critically analyse, synthesise and reflect on complex theories, evidence and modes of reasoning, and recent developments both local and international, to extend and challenge knowledge and practice in public policy
Analyse policy research, develop effective arguments for policy change and successfully scope, produce and disseminate policy evidence, using these skills to plan and execute a substantial research-based project
Engage in high level logical and persuasive written communication and public presentations, and confidently debate, prepare and critique policy documents and proposals

Overview of Learning Activities

You will be engaged in learning that involves a range of face-to-face and online activities such as lectures, tutorials, group and class discussion, group activities and individual research.

Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems. A list of recommended learning resources will be provided by your lecturer, including books, journal articles and web resources. You will also be expected to seek further resources relevant to the focus of your own learning.

Overview of Assessment

The course will bring together workshop based theoretical understanding and Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activity case studies from a range of public sector and not for profit organisations. Participation in WIL activity means your knowledge and skills will be applied and assessed in a real or simulated workplace context, where you receive feedback from industry.

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or the Disability Liaison Unit if you would like to find out more.
A student charter http://www.rmit.edu.au/about/studentcharter summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.
Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions which are available for review online: http://www.rmit.edu.au/policies/academic#assessment